Do I need to register my cat or small dog for travel?

Yes. You'll need to let us know in advance of travel if you plan on travelling with your cat or small dog in the cabin.

The first thing you’ll need to do is book your own flight*. Once that’s done, contact Air Canada Reservations to register** your pet for travel on the same flight as yours.

At the time of your call, you’ll be asked to provide:

the dimensions of the carrier and

the weight and breed of your pet.

The number of cats and small dogs accepted in the cabin is limited by aircraft type; it may be necessary to modify your reservation to allow us to accommodate your pet.

For this reason, we strongly recommend that you register** your pet within 24 hours of completing your booking. This will ensure that, if your pet cannot be accommodated on the flight(s) and date(s) you selected, your ticket will be refunded without charge. After 24 hours, any changes to your booking will be subject to applicable change and cancellation fees.

* Please also view important information below about travelling on Codeshare flights/Flights with other airlines (in the 'What else do I need to know' section at the bottom of the page).
**Pets that have not been registered in advance will not be accepted at the airport.

What if I need to change my reservation?

If you’re changing your reservation online or with your travel agent, you’ll need to make sure to contact Air Canada Reservations immediately afterward to change your pet’s reservation as well.

If one of our Call Centre agents is handling the change to your reservation, your pet’s reservation will be changed at the same time.

What else do I need to know?

Only one cat or small dog in the cabin is allowed per customer.

Your pet must:

be at least 12 weeks old and fully weaned to be accepted for travel.

remain at all times in a closed pet carrier stowed under your seat.

You’ll need to arrive a full 30 minutes prior to the recommended check-in time for your flight as you must see an agent at check-in. Customers travelling with pets cannot use Web check-in or airport self-service kiosks.

Government regulations

Many countries place restrictions on the entry of animals. It is imperative that you comply with all restrictions, and are in possession of all documents required by the destination country.

The pet carrier

Must be leak proof and well ventilated. Both soft-sided (preferred) and hard-sided carriers are accepted in the cabin;

Must be big enough to allow your pet to stand up, turn around and lie down safely and comfortably. No part of the pet may extend outside the carrier. The pet must remain in the carrier and the carrier must remain under the seat and closed at all times;

Will count as the one standard carry-on item which you are allowed to bring on board.

Pet restraint devices

If your pet is travelling in the cabin with you, pet restraint devices (e.g. pet strollers and car seats) are accepted as checked baggage only (all checked baggage rules apply).

This is because you are allowed one standard carry-on item and your pet in its carrier already counts as that one item.

Codeshare flights/ Flights with other airlines

If your itinerary includes a flight that is marketed by Air Canada but operated by one of our codeshare partners, you will not be able to travel with your pet.

A flight marketed by Air Canada but operated by another carrier will bear an Air Canada designator code (e.g. AC6984) and display a one-digit number next to the logo referrring to the operating carrier. See example.

If your itinerary includes a flight that is marketed and operated by another airline, you will be able to travel with your pet but you will need to contact the other airline to make separate arrangements for your pet for that portion of your trip. Naturally, you will also be subject to the pet travel policy and other rules of that airline. See example.

Allergy sufferers

We are sensitive to the concerns of allergy sufferers, and we understand that some of our customers may not wish to be seated too close to a cat or small dog during their flight. For this reason, we ask that, if you are an allergy sufferer, you advise the check-in agent or gate agent prior to your flight departure to ensure you are not next to a customer travelling with a pet. We will make reasonable efforts to move you or the pet and pet owner.

If you have a severe allergy to cats or dogs, you may request a buffer zone in order to help avoid the risk of exposure. Please note that certain restrictions or conditions may apply with regard to severe allergies to dogs.